VENABLE HAVING A BLAST AT PETCO PARK THIS YEAR

Looking ahead

Will Venable’s home run leading off Friday night’s game against the Rockies was a franchise milestone on several fronts.

It was the outfielder’s 15th at Petco Park this season. That is the most ever by a hitter in a home season at Petco Park. Adrian Gonzalez hit 14 homers at Petco Park in 2008. The 15 home runs at home this season also ties Venable with Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman for the most home runs at home this season.

Of course, Venable benefited from the shorter distances to the right-field fences at Petco Park this season. At least four of his home runs would not have reached the seats under the old distances, which were an average of 11 feet farther.

Venable’s 21st homer of the season was also his eighth game-opening home run of his career and his first since June 10 of last season.

The eight game-opening home runs are a franchise record, passing the seven that were hit by second baseman Quilvio Veras (1997-2000). Venable’s .636 slugging percentage since the All-Star break is the best mark in the National League.